Rainbow colored "chromophores" hold the key to detecting eye disease

Doctors may soon be able to easily screen patients for common eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. A new imaging device uses six different wavelengths to illuminate the interior of the eyeball. The current method of examining the interior of the eyeball involves taking snapshot images of the eye in only two or three wavelengths. The new technology allows doctors to tell the difference between the different light absorbing characteristics of biological molecules called chromophores. A "map" of the distribution of substances in the eye can be generated and help physicians to screen for and identify pathologies at a much earlier stage of development. In addition, the new system is much faster than current technologies and also minimizes the total light exposure of the subject which ensures patient safety. It's hoped to develop a system that is a key part of the standard fundus camera and? be able to be utilized by both optometrists and ophthalmologists.* Andrea Schumann Staff Writer